Rep. Jackson Lee was the special guest on this week's “Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall” and wasted no time delving into the issues most challenging to her and her colleagues in Congress. On the NSA PRISM program that monitors Americans phone contacts, “I think we know that the American people have said I want to be secure but I certainly don't want to be abused,” she said.

Chief Justice Roberts got it wrong when the Supreme Court invalidated a portion of the Voting Rights Act, said Congresswoman Jackson Lee.

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“He cited increased voting participation by minorities, but particularly African Americans and voter registration,” said Rep. Jackson Lee. “That's not the basis of the Voting Rights Act. It is to prevent discrimination.”

Congresswoman Jackson Lee has represented the 18th Congressional District for 18 years. Joining her on this program was Tony Payan, visiting professor at the Baker Institute with a specialty in Border Studies and Immigration. They spoke about the odds of an immigration law being passed this year, even after the Senate has passed its version.

Payan said he thinks a deal can be done and suggests that any increased money to be spent should not be spent on border crossings.

“I can tell you that it is becoming an unlivable place,” said Payan. “People are beginning to avoid crossing the border. The number of crossings is definitely down, and I certainly hope that the House can take some of that $30-40 billion and dedicate them to the infrastructure and the agents at the points of entry."

Rounding out this week's program was Rice University Chair of the Political Science Department, Professor Mark Jones and conservative blogger David Jennings from BigJollyPolitics.com. They provided unique insight into Texas politics and the 2nd special session. They have unique views on the session, the challenge of passing a strong anti abortion law and much more.

Informative conversation from start to finish each week on “Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall” Sundays at 10 a.m. right after “Meet the Press with David Gregory.”

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